Can boxing machine



,A'J 23 1938 -r w. D. KIMBALL ET AL 2,127,924l

GAN BOXING MACHINE Filed'Au'g. 1'7, 1936 10 sheets-sheet 2 [Q1/n( 3m''77451K ATTORNEYS Aug. 23, 1938. w. D. KIMBALL ET AL CAN BOXING MACHINEFiled Aug. 17, 1936 1ov sheets-sheet :s

INVENTORS BY 7 )QM ma* AWAY THE/ATTORNEYS Aug. 23, 1938. w. KIMBALL. E'rAL 2,127,924

CAN BOXING MACHINE Filed Aug. 17, 1936, 1o sheets-sheet# THe/f?ATTORNEYS Aug.23, 1938. -w. D. KlMBALLEr AL CAN BOXING MACHINE 10SheStS-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 1'?, 1936 A ug 23, 1938. w. D. KIMBALL ET AL2,127,924

CAN BOXING MACHINE Filed Aug. 17, 19:56 1o sheets-sheets f0.9 l I i myf5 f. Banu.; BY fam? E uw "4-4-7 M @Maf y THE' ATTORNEYS 4 Aug. 23,1938. w. D. KIMBALL Er AL CAN BOXING MACHINE Filed Aug. 17, 1936 10Sheets-Sheet 7 \NVENTORS T//Ene ATTORNEYS Aug. 23, 1938. w. D. KIMBALLET A1.

` CAN BOXING'MACHINE Filed Aug. 17, 19.36

10 Sheets-Sheet 8 Aug@ 23, 1938; W. D. KIMBALL. E; AL 2,127,924 v CANBOXING MCHINE Filed Aug". 17',v 193e 1o sheets-sheets TM5/ ATTORNEYSAug. 23, 1938. w. D. KIMBALL Er AL CAN BOXING MACHINE 1o sheets-sheet 1oFiled Aug. 17, 1956 Will il-;

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INVENTORS f ma?? ATTO RNEY5 perposed rows-and then forcing the cansinto.j

iatented Aug. 23, 1938 PATE-:rrr OFFICE CAN noxlNG MAcmNs Wallace D.Kimball, Jackson Heights, Cornelius I. Braren, Jamaica, and George l.Schaefer, Bronx, N. Y., assignors to Standard-Knapp Corporation, LongIsland City, Y., a corporation of New York Application Auron 1v,y 193s,semi No. 96,496 1s claims. (cli zzo-1s) s invention relates to machinescapable of stacking canned goods orvthe like in suitable su- -boxes 'orcartons of suitable'vsize to receive a deiv inite number of cans.

Machines of this general character constructed heretofore have been sodesigned that a number of cans in excess of that required for a singlerow have' had to be introduced into the machine, before the cans for thenext row above or below could be supplied. For example, if it weredesiredto stack twelve cans in three rows 0I four cans each it would benecessary in theprior constructions to introduce a number-of cans in excess of the twelve to be boxed in order to eiectk the desired stacking.yThus the iirst four 'cans of a batch feci into the machine would Supplyone orthe rows, while the next group of between four and ten cans ormore would notbecome a part of-,the stack then in the process offormation.

'ihevsucceeding group of four cans would consti` tutea second row of thestack and there might be an additional group of cans entering the ma?chine to ll up certain reserve storage spaces before thefnext series'offour constituting the third row of the stackwouldbe introduced. Thus thetwelve cans, for example, which would be stacked for 'boxing would notbe any twelvesuccessive cans put into the machine but would be'comlposed of groups oi four cans separated by other' groups of canssuccessively introduced into the machine. This is quite lobjectionablewherethe machine is usedior the purpose of reboxingcans which have beenstored away.

It is a .common practice to store canned goodsA in unlabeled conditionin cartons or boxes which are not sealed. When the goods are toebeship/pcd .least in the same order in which they were taken from theoriginal boxes. This is not possible in l they operation of can' boxingmachines heretofore known for the reasons already explained. Whenever achange in the character of the goods be- Y. ing boxed is met with it isnecessary to remove the final cans of the precedinggroup and stacktheseby hand. Y -V v. It has .been an important object of the present`invention to provide a can boxing machine' which zwill stack the cansin the same order in which they are introduced into the machine.The-artwelve cans put into theV machinewill be stacked in four rows ofthree cans each and introduced tween a number of different channelscorresppnd- Y ing with the rows to be formed. The means provided forthis purpose is simple yet effective and completely reliable and-iscapable of performing its function ata speed greater than thatat whichthe machine as a `whole maybe operated. This mechanism enables the.emcient use of the ma# chine inthe r boxing ci` stored cans:

Another ic ture of the machine contemplated by the present invention isthe provision of means permitting the use oi thel same distributing-andstacking instrumentalitiesgi'or the grouping of two stacks, oi saytwelve cans each, one in advance of the otherv and forcing these duringone operation oi' the machine into a box of suitable dimensions.Heretotore in the boxing of cans in two layers or tiers it has beennecessary to provide two separate stacking mechanisms placed side byside to formY the two'groups or stacks or cans' or to operate themachine twice to separately introduce each layer into a box. The meansprovided in accordance with this invention for boxing two stacks of cansin a single operation is such that there .is substantially no .lost time-due to the use or the same stacking devices and-th operation isemciently carried out. 1 Adjustability. of the various portions of thmachine' to .adapt it readily to thehandling ol' cans oi' variousdiameters is'ano'ther feature `oi? the invention. The construction forthis purpose is suoliO that the opening through which the cans areintroduced into the separating'or distributing mechanism' and the widthof certain channels in this mechanism, may be varied to insure properoperation of this mechanism in the handling 'oi different sizedcans.-Means are alsoprovided for adjusting the runways which deliver the cansirito the stacking chamber or portion of the machine and for adjustingcertain detente and-stops associatedwith this portion of the machine.

Other features and advantages oi the construction'contemplated by thepresent invention will appear from the detailed description of anillustrative form of the-invention whichv will now be described indetail in `conjunction with the ac"- companying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 isa side elevation of the complete machine.

` I6 'rangement issuch,forexamp1e, that the. first? .FigurezisayverticaLlongii-.udinai section taken y the distributing mechanism.

the modified form of cam through the separating or distributing portionof the machine.

Figure 3 is a transverse, sectional view taken along the line 8 8 ofFigure 2. v

Figure 4 is a horizontal, sectional view of a detail taken along theline 4-4 of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a horizontal, sectional view taken along the line 5 8 ofFigure 2.

Figure 6 is a plan view partly in section of the stacking chamber orportion of the machine disclosing the runways leading thereto.

Figure 'l is a side elevational view of the stacking portion of themachine with certain parts broken away, illustrating certain detents andstops, as well as the pushing devices used in forcing the cans into theboxes; a

Figure 8 is a vertical, sectional view on line 8-8 of Fig. 'I showingthe construction atvthe stacking and boxing end of the machine.

Figure 9 is a horizontal, sectional view taken along the line 9-9 ofFigure 7.

Figure l0 is a sectional view disclosing a detail and is taken Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the development of certain camfaces.

Figure 12 illustrates a modification. It .is a view similar to Figure l,but from the opposite, or front, side of the machine.

Figure 13 is a section taken on line `I3I8 of Figure l2.

Figure 14 is a view illustrating the operationv of the can feed linelcut oil. Figures 15 and 16 are views showing the construction of thefunnel of the machine of- Figure 12. Figure l5 is avertical sectiontaken on line II-IB of Figure 16, and Figure 16 is a horizontal sectiontaken on line I8-I8 of Figure 15. Figure 1'1 is a plan view of certainparts of the machine of Figure 6, these parts being of modifiedconstruction;- and Figure 18 is a view showing the development of shownin Figure 16. Referringnow to the drawings, 'the machine may comprise asuitable frame structure lli adapted to support all of the variousportions of the machine at a suitable height above the4 may be providedwith upgro'und. This frame standing arms4 having mounted thereon at anappropriate'inclination to the horizontal a base or frame structure Il.At the high or left end of this structure, as shown in Figure 1, thereis provided the distributing or separating mechanism designatedgenerally by the reference character I2. Suitable inclined runways ortracks .i8 leading from the discharge end of the distributing mechanismserve to convey the cans to the stacking chamber or portion of themachine, generally designated by the reference character I8.' The cansto be stacked and boxed may be supplied to themachine in any suitableway, as by means of an inclined runway Il above Figures 2 to 5 disclosethe details of the construction ofthe separating or distributingmechanism. -This mechanism may beI suitably enclosed by a pair of sideplates I8 and I1 which are'ioined by various cross rods and shafts, tobe referred to hereinafter. Between these side plates, which are spaceda slightly-greater dis-'- tance than the normal height of the cans to behandled by the machine, are adiustably mounted pairs of guide elementsI8 and Il. 'Ihe guides I8, one of which is adjacent each of the sideplates I8 and I1, may

along the lines Ill- I0 ofbe Joined and held suitably spaced by means ofrods 20 riveted or otherwise secured to the guides. The spacing of .thelatter may be such as to place them lin close proximity to the sideplates or they may be separated slightly therefrom. In a machineintended to handle filled cans the guides are preferably side platesthrough the use of bolts or studs 2iv riveted or otherwise secured toone of the guides andadapted to extend through elongated openings 22' inthe side plate I6. A wing nut 23 may be provided for each of the bolts2i and will lserve to hold the two ends of the guides in any desiredsvposition of adjustment. One extreme position of the guides is shown in'`full lines in Figure 2 and the other extreme position is shown in dottedlines in this figure. guides I9 may be joined by a pair of rods 24 andmay be adjustably` supported by studs or bolts 25 riveted or otherwisesecured to one of the guides and adapted to pass through elongatedopenings 28 in the side plate I6. Wing'- nuts 23 may be provided on thebolts 25 for clamping the guides in any adjusted position between thefull and dotted linesindicated in Figure 2'.

y proper adjustment of the pairs of guides the opening at the top ofthe' distributing mechanism as well as the channel formed in part'by theguides may be varied to a. suitable extent to accommodate cans ofvarious diameters. The adjustment of the guides should be effected insuch a way that the opening will at all times be substantially centrallydisposed. This opening, 'furthermore, should be of -such .size as topermit the cansto drop freely through it but should not be so large thatany considerable lateral movement of the can within the opening is permitted, since such a' movement would be apt to cause a binding of thepair of .cans between certain devices below the opening and the walls ofthe opening. y

Directly beneath the opening provided bev tween the guides I8 and I9there is mounted a shaft 21 which may be suitably supported by a pair ofbearing elements 28 secured in any suitable way to the outer sides ofthe plates It' and I1. The shaft 21 may have keyed or splined '.theretoapair of elements 29 in the form of a portion of a star wheel, one ofthese. elements being placed adjacent each of the side frames IB and "I1and being either in contact`therewith or spaced slightly therefromdepending upon whether the machine is intended to handle filled or emptycans. 'The elements 2i are provided with a pair of curved surfaces 8|!and 8| which are suitably inclined'toward the point l32 of a star wheelconstruction. When the elements 2l 'are in the position shown in Figure2, a can dropping through the opening between the guides I8` and I8 willstrike the surfaces 80 and due to the slope of these surfaces andtherelation of the center 'of gravity of the can with respect to the In asimilar way the pair of v shaft 21, the members will be rocked abouttheir j 70. secured to the side plates y The succeedl' A the guides I8and I9 will then strike the curved surfaces 3| of the elements 29 andwill cause these elements to be rocked in a clockwise direction untilvthe projections 35 strike the upper 5 surfaces of the plates 34, beingthen again in the position shown in full lines in Figure 2. In the rcourse of this rocking movement of the elements 29 the second can willbe directed toward the guide I9. Theelements 29 thus provide a means fordividing or distributing the cans. fed continuously throughy theopening, alternately into channels at the left and the right of theseelements.

The cans which are delivered to the left of the elements 29 `slide overextensions 35 of the plates 34 and drop into contact with one or theother of a pairy of curved surfaces on star wheel eiements 31 which aresimilar in all respects to the elements 29. The elements31 are carriedby a 2o shaft 38 mounted in bearing'inembers 39 secured to the sideplates. The action of the elements7 31 is precisely the same as that of.the elements 29, they being rocked about their pivots until theirlateral wings or extensions engage plates or brackets 40 secured to theside plates. It will be apparent that through the provision of the elei.

ments 31 a further separation of the cans between two additionalchannels is provided. In a similar way a further separation oi the cansi so directed 'toward the right of the elements 29 is are distributed,or divided between the four lanes'l to the left and right of the shafts39 and I3, respectively, are formed byguide strips or plates -45 securedmany-suitable' way to the side plates of the mechanism. The guide strips46 terminate directly in line with the inclined runways i3 and serve todeliver the cans to these runways.` It will 'be clear that through theprovision of the 50 three sets of star wheel or divider elements 29,

. 31 and 42, in the manner explained, each successive group of four canswill be distributed bctween the xfour separate runways I3. ,Asillustrated in Figure 3, these runways may comprise a bottom plate 41and side angle members 49 having their vertical legs suitably spaced aslight distance greater than the 'height `of the cans Jhandled by themachine. y

As the cans are discharged to the runways Il, they are fed by gravity tothelower or right hand end of the machine, as shown in Figure '1, whichconstitutes the stacking chamber and boxing portion of the machine. Herethe cans are (arrested by a. series of stops 50, one of which isprovided for each of the rows oi' cans. These stops, as wilLbe presentlyexplained, are onlyV temporarily held in the position shown in Figure 1,and at the proper time are withdrawn to permit the cans to vshift aslight distance further toward the end /of the machine. Atthe same'time'a series of detents or divider bars 5I,

one related to each of the runways, will be rocked. downwardly insynchronismv with or preferably` slightly in, advance of the withdrawalof theA stops 59y toy engage thelowermost can on each runway -the pusheris given two operations oi' different and hold it back to produce aseparation betweenV the cans tol be boxed and those remaining on therunways. This construction is for the purpose of avoiding the tearing ofthe labels von the cans, which would arise from the relative '3longitudinal movement between those being `shifted and the adjacentstationary cans. At the appropriate time the canswhich have beenproperly` lined up for boxing are forced by means of a pusher 52 into afunnel 53 over or adjacent to which is placed the open end of the box orcarton into which the cans are to be loaded.

The operating mechanism for 'causing the withdrawal ofthe stops 50, theoperation of the detents 5I and the shifting of the pushers 52 will nowbe described. This mechanism, as will be pointed out, is so constructedand controlled that during a single cycle of operation oi.- the machinethe stops and detents are operated twice while magnitude. The firstoperation of the pusher, following the release of the tripping mechanismprovided, serves to force two stacks or groups ot cans placed end forend into the box. in the machine illustrated this will mean the boxingot y twenty-four cans stacked in two groups, end for end, of four rowsof 'threecans each. For this purpose the pusher is given its full orlong strolre. 4 Subsequently after a new set of cans has been -fedintothe stacking chamber of the machine, w the pusher is given its secondorshort strohe which serves merely to force the single stack oi cans intothe funnel. The parts are then restored tb normal position so thatanewstack ot cans may be formed within the stacking portion of themachine and this new Stack, together with the stack already in the,funnel, will then be forced into another box at the beginning of thenext operation.

Referring now to Figures l and 8, the means nl for operating the stops,detents and pushers cornprlses a large cam 54 having cammlnsprojectionsextendihgaxially from its opposite faces. This cam is carried by a shaft55 journalled in the side frames i9. The shaft 55 is in turn driven,through a suitable clutch connection, by a sha 56, connected with anelectric motor nl. connection between the shafts 56 and 55 is madethrough suitable reduction gearing enclosed `in a housing 58 and througha one-revolution clutch 59 of 'any suitable form, the construction being`such that under the control of a foot pedal, the

canr 5a may be given a single revolution at will. The foot pedal, notshown, is disposed conven- -iently beneath the funnel 53 where it may betripped by the operator of the machine whenever he is Fready to have thecans forced into 'a box. This pedal may be connected by a link tt 1 toany suitable mechanism for tripping the clutch to permit the shaft 55.to 'be driven through one t; ,t

revolution at the. end of which it will be automatically stopped untilthe clutch is again tripped. N f

For the purpose of operating the stops 5Fl, the cam 54 is proyided withan axially extending camming projection 63 adapted to cooperate with `aroller 64I carried by an'arm 95 secured to a by the framework of themachine. A pair of 1; l

arms 12, also secured to the shaft 10, carries la rod 190 which formsapivotal connection between the arms and a rearward extension 1I of eachof the stops 50. The extensions 15 are also pivotally connected by meapsof a rod 14 to a pair of arms 15 pivotally supported by means of a shaft16arried by the bracket 1 I. The shafts 10 and16, as well as the` rods12 and 14 by which the arms 12 and- 15 are connected to the stops 50,may extend vertically to a suillcient extent to carry and operate all ofthe detents simultaneously. Due to the parallelv link constructionprovided the stops 50 will be moved in such a way as to maintain theirforward faces in a plane constantly parallel to that shown.

' In order to provide for adjustment ofthe position of the stops tomaintain cans of different diameters in properrelation to'the pushers,the link 99 may be provided with a series of holes 11, three beingshown, any one of which may be used in vpivotally connecting the link bymeans of a bolt 19 to the arm 59. In this way the normal position of thestops may be varied to suit the requirements. As already indicated, thecam 63 is of Asuch form as to cause the stops .to be withdrawn twiceduring each operation of the machine at the appropriate time prior tothe operation of the pushers.

For the purpose of operating the detents orA dividers 5|, a secondaxially extending cam formation 19 is provided on the element 54. Thiscam formation is adapted to cooperate with a roller 90 carried by an arm8| secured to a shaft 82 mounted in the bracket 950. A spring 190 servesto rock the arm to maintain the roller in constant engagement with thesurface of the cam 19. Mounted on the shaft 92 and adapted to rotatetherewith is a yoke 03 Vhaving an upwardly extending bar 04 of channelform. A similarly formed bar the opposite side of the machine and isprovided with a yoke 96 secured to a shaft 91. The two shafts 02 and 01are adapted to be oscillated in unison but in opposite directions,angularly, by virtue of the interengagement of segments 99, one of whichis secured to 'each of the shafts. Cooperating with the channels of thebars 84 and 95 are a series of rollers Il carried by arms`90 pivotallymounted on pins or studs 9|. The arms 90 are portions of bell cranklevers having arms 92 which are adapted to support the opposite ends ofthe series of detent rods as best shown in Figure 8. A bell crank 9|, 92is provided at each end.of the detentslIl.

It will'be apparent that as the channel Abars 04, 85 are shifted .towardthe right in Figures 6 and 9, the bell cranks will be rocked in unisonin a clockwise direction to lower the' detents into the path of the canson the runways il. This downward movementl of the detents will takeplace twice during each 'cycle of the machine, due to the form of thecam 19. and it will be so Atimed as to occur substantially in.unison butpreferably slightly in advance of the withdrawal of the stops 50. Whenthe detents are lowered the cans to the left of the same, as viewed inFigure '1, will be held against further movement along the runways andlmay even be cammed slightly upthe runways.l As the withdrawal of thestops 50 is then continued, a separation will be effected between thethree cans in each row which are in'V line with the pushers and theremaining canson the runways.

The means for operating thegpushers comprises a cam formation Ilextending axially from 95 is vertically disposed at the opposite side ofthe element 54 from the cam formations 53 and 19. A roller 94 carried byan arm 95 secured to a shaft 96 is held in contact with the surface ofthe cam formation 93 by means of a spring 91 which is attached at oneend to a fixed portion of the machine and at its opposite end toan arm98 secured to the shaft 95. At its free end the arm 95 is connected to abolt or stud 99 with an arm |00 pivotally connected with a verticallyextending shaft or rod IOI. This shaft at its upper end is connected bya similar system of links to the shaft 9B. For this purpose an arm |02is secured to the shaft 96 andis connected by a stud or bolt to an arm|09 pivotally connected to the upper end of the shaft |0I. As the arms95 and |02 are rocked about the axis of the shaft 95, the shaft or rod|0I is drawn bodily toward the stacking chamber of the machine and inits movements is guided by means of suitable guide elements |04 arrangedadjacent both the top and bottom of the shaft. At its upper end theshaft |0| may have' secured thereto a shoe |i0|0 which has grooves alongits side edges adapted to engage and slide along the edges of the guides|04. This arrangement will prevent turning of the shaft as it is shiftedby the arms |00 and |02. A similar construction may'be provided at thelower end of the shaft |0i, if desired, or a roller or collar |0|| maybe provided at this end to ride between the guides |04. Secured to theshaft or rod |0|, as by means of split collars |05, are a series ofyokes |05 which carry at their forward ends the pushers 52. The yokes|05 are suitably spaced along the rod |0| to place the pushers 52 inline with the cans to be forced into the funnel 53 and into toany'desired' the box. They may be adjusted elevation by unclam'ping thesplit collars. As

previously mentioned, the cam 93 is adapted to give to the arm Y95- andto the pushers both a long or complete stroke and a short -or halflstroke during each operation of the machine.

For this purpose the cam surface is provided with a deep depression ordwell 93| and a shallow dwell 992 appropriately situated with relationto the normal position of'the cam. The relation of the various camsurfaces on the cam 54 is such that at the beginning of an operation ofthe machine the detents 5| are lowered and the stops.50 are withdrawn.'I'he pushers 52 are then given their long or full stroke to force twostacks or groups of cans into a box. The detents and stops remainintheir lowered and withdrawn positions throughout the operation of thepushers. Duri'ng the continued operation of the machine, after thepusher has been restored to its normal posi;

tion the detents and stops are also restored and a new stack of cans isformed in the stacking chamber. Subsequently the stops 50 and detentsl5| are again operated and the pushers 52 again shifted to force thenewly formed group or stack of cans into the funnel 53 in readiness forthe next operation of the machine. By timing the operation in this waythe attendant may trip the clutch mechanism whenever he has a box inreadiness to receive the cans from the funnel 53. While he is thenpreparing for the application of a new box to the funnel, the machinewill continue its operation to store the first stack or group of cans inthe funnel. In order to facilltate the Aoperation of the machine by a'single attendant suitable means, forming no part of the presentimprovements, may be provided for' holding the boxes in position duringthe loading runways i3 which are located in and adjacent the stackingchamber of the machine.v It is denlrnble to reduce as iar as possiblethe amount of separation between the-cans in the various rows as theystand inthe stacking chamber.l Any separation between the rows at thisp'ointmust -be eliminated as the cans are forced into the funnel dit bythe dropping oi' the upper rows oi cans and lt is desirable to reducethis movement to a minimum. lin the adjustment or the runways iii, prozvision is made ior raising the lower runways at the same time that thelupper runways'are lowered as to bring about a convergence between theupper and lowermost runways. vTo edect the ad.-

;iustment, each runway, as well as the upper guide above the top row ofcans, is supported adjacent the detente di by means of a bracket lillwhich .is carried by a rod itt. Each of these brackets has anarn'l tiltwhich carries the pivot di for the bell cranks til, liti.'li'l'ieintermediate one oi' the rive brackets lill is supported by therod itt at a hired elevation but the runways and guide labove and belowthe central runway are adjustm.

able toward and away from the latter. For this purpose the yrod is'provided .with a series of threads lill, lil, llt, and lili. The threadslill and llirnaybe righthand threads, *for example,

while the threads l l2 and lili are lefthand or of opposite sense to theupper threads. Furthermore, the' threads i lll and H3 are double or areof greater pitch 4than the threads lli and H2;

therefore, as the shafts |08 are rotated, the

threaded engagement between the various series vto oi threads and thebrackets Ill'l will cause the two uppermost brackets to move downwardlyandthe two lowermoist brackets Ato move upwardly and vice versa,depending upon the direction ofrotation of the shaft |08. Furthermore,the rate o f advance toward or recession from the central runway for theuppermdstand lowermost brackets will be double, or at least materiallygreater than that for the two brackets adjacent the central bracket. Atits upper and lower ends the,

shaft |08 is suitably supported by bearings lillV and H5, respectively.It will be understood that a rod |08 and a series of brackets ID'ijwillbe provided on each side of the runways and-adjustmentof the two sidesshould be effected in unison to maintain the runways in proper planes.4'Io insure uniform adjustment of the two shafts,

they may be provided with sprocket wheels H6r connected by a chain H1,and eithershaft may have a handwheel at its upper end or be adapted'tovreceive a wrench. The funnel 53 may be supported in any suitable wayby the framework of the machine and may be replaced by funnels ofdifferent sizes when different sized cans and boxes are used.

Referring now to the modifications shownin Figs. 12 to 18, inclusive,and particularly to Figs. 12 and 1 4, for certain yclassesof work whereparticularly rapid packing is desired, it isV necessary to cause thecans to enter the stacking chamber more quickly when the detent, or gatemechanism, is opened. It will 'be understood that the cans on thestorage runway are at rest when the gates are raised, and must beaccelerated entirely by the comparatively gentle slope of thestoragerunways i3, as shown in Fig. 1. More especially when the cans areheavy, the time for acceleration and forward movement into the stackinglchamber be` .which isequal to or higher than the rate at which the canscan be placed in the packing cases by the stacking mechanism andplunger, ifthe cans were required to roll directly from the distributingmechanism or divider into the stacking chamber, the rate at which canswould be packed in the cases would be lowered. Consequently,.inaccordance with the\modiiication, not only are the cans delivered morequickly into the stacking chamber upon the opening of the gatemechanism, but provision is made whereby, under no circumstances, willthe rate or packing by the stacking mechanism and pier be lowered, dueto the passage oi the cans through the distributing mechanism. l

s increase in the speed of entry oi the nent succeeding charge, tienerlayer of cans from the storage rways into the stacking chamber cannot beaccomplished merely by increasing the gradient, or steepness, orinclination of the storage runways extending between the stackingchamber and the distributing or dividing mechanism.

'l'hiswould cause the cans to roll at too great a that is, the mechanismfor lowering the illled carton from its horizontal position on thefunnel to. vertical position.

'I'he primary object of the modiedform of our invention is, therefore,to overcome the above difculties andprovidea packing machine whichwillhave the advantages mentioned. A further aim of the invention is tovprovide a can runway construction, particularly for the storage runways.whereby the cans will be compelled to roll along the same with theirbeads'in alinement, thereby 'avoiding the possibility of having the beadof one can deface the label or varnish on the body of an adjacent can byrolling in contact therewith.

Another feature of the modification is to provides4 funnel constructionwherein the cans will be maintained in axial Valinement with one an-`other as they are pushed through the funnel iid Stil

onto the funnel, and

sometimes experienced, particularly with cans Whose diameters are largerthan their length, or

where the machine operates at especially high speed,of having the cansfall over on their ends as they are being slid in the direction of theiraxes through the funnel.

A still further object of the modification is to provide a funnelconstruction which is adapted for ready removal `and the substitution ofa funnel of diiferent size when the adjustment of the machine, aspreviously described, is changed, in order to accommodate cans-ofditlerent diameters.

Another object of the modication is to provide for the change-over ofthe packing machine so as to enable it to pack either a single tier orlayer of cans in a case. or a plurality of tiers. as may be desired.

- ers l2. and their mounting.

to form the next tier or layer. page extension runways I| move forwardand the `the cans through 'Ihe features of the modined form o! our invvention by means of which the foregoing advantages are secured, will beunderstood from the following description:

Referring nrst to Pigs. l2 and'14, .the can stacking chamber Il. and thecan separating. or dividing, mechanism I2. are identical with thosepreviously described; 'also the can stops l2. andtheir operatingmechanism, and the detenta or gates and their actuating mechanism, whichare indicated generally in Fig. l2 by reference numeral Il.: also theplungincluding arms lll.. |02. and Il.. In order to cause the nextcharge of cans todbe quickly moved into the stacking chamber after theoperation of the plungermto push a preceding tier toward or into thecase, and the gate mechanism has again opened, the storage runways i2.corresponding to storage runways il of Fig. 1 are made steeper, butshorter, the gradient of these runways being Asufilcient to impart rapidacceleration to the cans when the gate mechanism is opened. Thedischarge ends of each oi these runways' connect with the shelves of thestacking chamber which are at the same comparatively gentle slope as inthe case of Fig. l, so that the angularity of the funnel and of thecarton and its supporting mechanism is not increased.

The storage runwaysfll. are joined by storage extension runways ||0which connect runways Il with the outlets of the distributor or dividingmechanism l2. which receive the cans from the single feed line runwayil. and distribute them equally between the runways H0. The slope of thestorage extension runways |I0 is approximately the same as that of theshelves in the can` stacking chamber Il..

In operation, when the gate mechanism Il. opens, the cans on the steepstorage runways I2. move forward, pushing the cans ahead of themrapidly, due to the steepness of the slope. The several lines of cansseparate at about the Juncture between the runways ||0 and runways Il.,leaving a gap at this point which is widened as the cans move, forwardinto the stacking chamber The cans in stortake up this gap after themotion of the cans on storage runways i3. has ceased. The impact of thecans when these gaps are closed, however, is not great, in spite of thelarge number and weight of the cans moving forward on storage runwaysill, because the slope of these runways is chosen so as to ing highvelocity during this movement.

In order to provide for an ample supply of cans to be admitted to thestacking chamber Il. under all possible conditions of operation so thatrate ci packing of the machine will never retarded by the relativelyslow movement of the separating mechanism I2.. the storage capacity ofextension runways ||0 is at least egualvto the storage capacity ofrunways II., and is preferably from one and one-half times to two timesas great as these runways. Because of the'greater length of the machinecaused by this increased/storage capacity, the

right hand end of frame member Il. and the 70;

separating mechanism I2; are sllDDOrted by means of a post III whichextends upwardly from the door to frame member Il.

Should the storage runways Il. and ||l become completely fined with cansbecause of an interruptionv in the operation of the packing plungerssubltmtially through a solenoid |25.

to cut-oi! bar |26 prevent the cans from attain- Acessi've cans passingover l2. while the supply of cans in feed line lli.. continueswithoutinterruption, the separating mechanism i2 quires the attention ofthe operator of the machine to set the separating mechanism i2. again inproper operation. In order to avoid this, and at the same time enablethe machine to take full advantage of the storage capacity of runwaysl2. and H0 in order to prevent a possible retardation of the rate oipacking of the machine, the following mechanism is provided:

Referring to Figs. 12 and 14, a short section |20 of the lowermostrunway ||0 is pivoted at its' lower end and provided with acounterbalancing weight l2| which is adjustable in its position on itssupporting arm |22. The length of this runway is sumcient to hold apredetermined number of cans. say for example, or 6, and thecounterweight I2|, is arranged tov maintain the pivoted section in itsnormal position until such a time as cans may collect on runways I3..and ill up to the point where the predetermined number of cans rest uponpivoted section |20. Then the section is depressed slightly therebyclosing the contacts of an electric switch |23 which, through conductors|24, closes a circuit The lifting of the solenoid core shifts ahorizontal bar |28 into the path of the cans entering the separatingmechanism I2. and cutting off the delivery of cans thereto from feedline i5.. As soon as the cans move oil from pivoted section |20, it isreturned to its upper position by means of counterweight 2|, openingswitch contacts |23. This allows a spring |21 to withdraw the cut Offbar |26 t0 its original position, thereby permitting the feeding of thecans to be resumed.

Figure 14 not only shows a diagram of the circuit connections betweenswitch |23. and the cutoff operating solenoid |25, but also showscertain details of the mounting of the balanced track section |20 andthe switch |23; and it also shows a transverse vertical section takencentrally through the upper part of distributing mechanism I2. andshowing the details of construction of the cut-off mechanism. Theoperating solenoid |25 of the cut-off is carried upon a bracketstructure I2 which is mounted upon the front side plate of thedistributing mechanism. The solenoid core operates cut-ott bar |26through a ball crank lever |25 and a compression spring |26'. The motionoi' the bell crank lever is transmitted through this spring,the righ.hand end of which bears against the collarl secured to the cut-oi! bar.

By this arrangement, if the solenoid happens to be energized at a momentwhen a can is passing the end of the cut-off bar, the bar beingyieldingly actuated by means of spring |28 does not dent or otherwiseinjure the 'end -of the can, and is thrown into cut-olf position as soonas this can has passed the bar.

Adjustment .of counterweight y|2| is provided for not only to vary thenumber of cans required to operate the can cu -oiI' mechanism, but alsoto permit of adjustment for diilerent weights of cans when the machineis adjusted for cans of different diameter. On account of the law ofFoperation of the separating mechanism i2. which distributes every fourthcan to the lowermost row, under normal operation of the apparatus,sucpivoted section |20 will be spaced a considerable distance apart sothat usually not more than one can will rest upon the pivoted section ata given instant. Hence it is will become choked with cans. Itreimpossible 'under normal Yoperation for section |20 to be depressedand stop the feeding of the cans.

In the machine of Fig. l, runways I3 andthe shelves within the canstacking chamber consist of metal plates to which are attached guiderails consisting of steel angle bars, shown in section in Fig-8. Due tothe lack of rigidity and the variations which occur in the manufactureof these bars, itis substantially impossible Ato mount them and keepthem in accurate gauge, that is.

in uniformly spaced relation throughout the i'tll'and maintained inaccurate gauge throughout the length of both runways lit and its, and'the gauge may be so nearly equal to the length of the cans that the twobeads of each can will be maintained in alinement with the beads of theadjacent cans and the marring oi' the can body is prevented. As shown lnFig. 13, and also in Fig. 15, guide rail |28 may be adjusted so as tochange the gauge of the rails to accommodate cans of different lengths.This is accomplished. by loosening holding screws |3| and shifting themin slots |32. y,

In Figs. 15 and '16, the details of the funnel construction areillustrated. The bottom |33 and left hand side |34 of the funnel, asviewed in Fig. 12, consist of a single 'L-shaped piece of heavy gaugesheet metal and are relatively rigid. The bottom may slope upwardly, asin Figs. 15 and 12, or it may be arranged horizontally, depend# ing uponthe type o can which the machine is to handle. The top of the funnel isyieldable for a purpose which will presently appear, and for convenienceis constructed of 'three spring steel plates |35 which normally arebiased downwardly at a vconsiderable angle, as indicated at. Fig. 15.The right hand side of the funnel |36,"

while somewhat yielding, need not yieldto a great extent. `It will beunderstood that the carton or case to be filled with cans is held inhorizontal position by the drop off mechanism |37l with its mouthtelescoped over the funnel.

The left hand flap of the carton engages a stop i |38 and the right handcarton flap is deflected by means of a guide |39 to prevent itfrombecoming entangled with the gate operating mechanism tilt.` v

As the rows of cans vare held in the stacking chamber on the severalsupporting shelves |40. each row is spaced `vertically from the next rowand as the cans are slid forward into the funnel by the pushers 52a, thesecond row is lowered into contact with the lowermost row, 'the thirdrow `with the second and the fourth row with the third. To accomplishthis and prevent liability of the cans being upset due either to highspeed of operation, or to the fact that the cans are larger in diameterthan their height, each of the shelves |40 is provided with downward??yielding flights or extensions |4| which project from the side edges ofthe shelves |40 into the funnel member. These flights I4 i arepreferably made or' highly flexible resilient spring steel sheets.

" means of bolts |50.

The resilient and yielding upper members |35 of the funnel contact withthe uppermost row oi cans as they move over the uppermost yieldingAflight |4| and deflect this row into contact with the next, therebyholding all ci the rows in contact with each other and preventing any-ofthe f cans from becoming upset. In. addition, in order to keep the cans`of each horizontal row in contact with one another, especially when theyare packed empty, ilexible steel tongue vmembers |42 are mounted, oneopposite each row at the right hand side of the tunnel. wlhese flexibleresilient tongues deflect the respective rows oi? cansinto contact withthe left hand side itof the funnel. By means oi this' funnelconstruction, the cans enter the carton as a compact mass which properlytits the icnlar site oi? carton which is employed.

ln order to provide tor the ready removal'of Y one size tunnel and itsreplacement by a funnel of diiierent size, a `vertical vbar it@ issecured by means of bolts Nt tothe upper frame member itt oi themachine. This bar on its rear surface' is provided with a series oispaced metal buttons itt, the shanks oi' which are anchoredy in the barand the heads. oi which are spaced slightly from the rear surfaceof thebar.

The funnel is provided along its right hand vertical feed with a ilangeill, the edge of which is slotted opposite each button |46, as indicatedby refer-ence numeral M8 in Fig. 16 and also as slmwn in dotted lines inFig. 12.

.lit the left hand side of the funnel there is a vertical bar |49similar to bar |43, but permanently attached to the funnel itself,instead oi to the frame of the machine. The upper and lower ends ofthis bar |49 are removably secured respectively to the frame members |45and' lia by lIn order tov remove@4 the funnel from the machine, it is.only necessary to remove the four bolts I 50, all of which are on theleft hand side of the funnel near the end of the machine' where they arereadily accessible, and then slide the funnel bodily to the' left, asvviewed in Fig. l2, thereby freeing the slots |40 of flange |41`from thebuttons |40. A funneiof different size, but having a` similarly slottedflange |41 and 'a similar bar |49 may then be placed upon the machineby, reversing the operation just described. 4

By means of the mechanism illustrated in Figs. 17 and 18, we haveprovided in the modified form of our invention for the changing of thestroke Aof the plunger or pushers l2 and the actuation of the can stops|50 and the gates or detents Sla, so as to provide for operating. themachine to pack either a single tier or layer or a plurality of layersat-each cycle of operation of the machine. In these ilgures. we haveshown mechanism for changing over a machine from two-tier packing tosingle-tier packing.l or vice versa.A That is to say, the plunger may bemade to operate with one short stroke and one long stroke for eachrevolution ofthe operating cam, or with only a single long stroke foreach revolution of this cam. l

.For this purpose, the motor 51 is connected with shaft 06. of the speedreducing gear .50a by means of a change-speed 'drive which, in theexample illustrated, consists of a pair of vstepped pulleys |5| and |52together with a driving belt In considering Fig. 17: itV will 'behelpful to also v consider Fig. 9, as the latter f lg'ure shows parts ofthe machine which have been omitted from -cam 54. is provided with aslotted cam track Il. which engages roller S41 on arm 95|. which is the'actuating arm for the pushers 52,.. This cam track, as may be seen fromFig. 18, is provided with a high crest formation which .imparts the longstroke to the pushers 52., and a low crest formation |55 which impartsthe short stroke to the pushers. When it is desired to eliminate theshort stroke so that the pushers will make only a single long strokeduring each revolution of the cam, crest formation |55, which is securedto the body of cam 54g by means of screws |56, is removed, leaving astraight cam formation |51 which constitutes a continuation of the dwell|58 of the cam.

When the short stroke is eliminated, it is also necessary to prevent theoperation of the gate mechanism and desirable to avoid operating the canstop mechanism. The operation of these two mechanisms is controlled bymeans of cam formations 19. and 63s, respectively. Roller 80. carried byarmlh actuates the gate mechanism `and roller 64. carried by arm 65aactuates the .can stop mechanism. Arm 6551s secured to shaft 56. towhich a shorter arm` 61a is also fixed, this arm being connected bymeans of a link 68a to the cam stop mechanism.

Operating cam 54 is provided with a second removable section |59 whichis removably at- ,tached to the cam by means of screws as indicated inFig. 18. 'I'he removal of section |59 changes the configuration of bothcam formation 18. and 63. by creating a, valley |60 in cam formation.lrand a valley |6| in cam formation 63., both of which are opposite theremovable crest section |55 of cam track 93a.

When it is desired to eliminate the short stroke of the pushers from theoperation of themachine, crest section |55 is removed, and removablesection |59 is inserted, thereby eliminating the valleys |60 and |6| andpreventing the second operation of the gate and can stop mechanism. Atthe`same time the belt |53is shifted so as to increase the speed ofrotation of the operatingcam 54a. This enables the packing machine topackfcases containing only a single tier of cans at the same rate aswhen operating to pack cases containing a plurality of tiers of cans.That is to say, the machine packs the same number of cans per mimnutewhethervthe cans are packed one layer to a case, or two or more layers.to the case, thus' enabling the packing machine to perform its workwithout interfering with the speed of operation of the*can labellingmachine or can processing equipment with which it maybe connected toreceive cans.

' The processing equipment and the can labelling machine have a definitespeed of operation, that is to say, they deliver cans at a predetermined4number per minute and it is desirable to maintain this rate whether thecans are being packed one layer to a case or several layers to a case.Where the cases are packed only one layer or tier to the caseit isnecessary to make the pushers 52. of the packing machine operate twiceas fast as when the machine is packing two layers to a case, or threetimes the speed as when the machine is packing three layers to the case.This increase in speed is necessary because the operating cam il. makesone ,revolutionfor each case packed, regardless of whether severallayers are being packed in the case or only a single layer.

Although we have illustrated an operating cam having cam formationswhich are adapted to impart only one short and one long stroke to thevpusher, it will be understood that when packing additional layers in acase, for example, three, the operating cam will be provided with tworemovable crests |55 and two removable sections |55, instead of one ofeach, as illustrated in the drawings.

The intended mode of operation of the machine has been suillcientlyfully set forth in connection with the detailed description of thevarious portions of the same so that a general rsum of operation isbelieved to be unnecessary. While illustrative forms of the inventionhave been set forth in considerable detail, it is to be understood thatvarious changes and modifications may be made in the construction of theparts and 'the arrangement disclosed without departing from the generalspirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

This application is in part a continuation of the applicants copendingapplication Serial No. 505,282, filed December 29, 1930 (owned by thesame assignee as the present application) which issued on August 25,1936 as Patent 2,052,513.

We claim:

l. A machine of the class described comprising the combination of apacking mechanism including means for stacking cans in a plurality ofsuperposed rows to form a charge and ejecting mechanism for dischargingthe charge into a case, the stackin-g mechanism being adjustable forcans of different diameter, and mechanism for receiving cans from asingle line and distributing them to the superposed rows of the stackingmeans comprising a casing having an opening for the reception of cansdelivered to said machine and a plurality of channels below said openingand connected respectively to the superposed rows of the packing`mechanism, means centrally disposed beneath said opening for directingsuccessive cans passed through said opening into a different one of saidchannels, and means for varying the size of said opening to accommodatecans of different diameter while maintaining the. centralized relationbetwen said opening and said can directing means,

2. In a machine ofthe class described a can stacking chamber, means fordelivering cans in rows to said chamber, and movable stop mechanism atthe end of said chamber for arresting the cans delivered theretocomprising a pair of spaced parallel rods opposite the ends of saidrows, a stop member for each row movable substantially in linetherewith, each of said members having a can-stopping face.extendingtransversely thereof at its inner side and a supporting arm extendingfrom its outer side and pvoted to both of said rods, and means forsupporting said spaced parallel rods including an arm pivoted to each ofsaid rods, said arms being mounted for oscillation about centersopposite the ends of said rows and spaced apart 'a distance equal to thespacing of said rods whereby when said stop members are moved thecan-stopping faces thereof will maintain their transverse position atright angles to the direction of advance of the `Acans in said rows.

3. In a machine of the class described a. can stacking chamber, meansfor delivering cans in rows to said chamber, a plunger for electing cansfrom saidchamber into a packing case, movable stop mechanism at the endof said chamber for arresting the cans delivered thereto comprising apair of spaced parallel rods extending vertically opposite the ends ofsaid rows, the axes of said rods lying in s vertical plane perpendicularto a stop member for each row movable substantially in line therewithhaving a face exsaid rows,

tending transversely thereof at its inner side, each of said membershaving'a supporting arm extending substantially at right angles from itsouter face and pivoted to both of said rods, and

means lfor supporting said spaced parallel rods including an arm pivotedto each of said rods, said arms being mounted for oscillation aboutcenters opposite the ends of said rows and spaced apart a distanceequal'to the vertical spacing of said rods whereby when said stopmembers are moved the can-stopping faces `thereof will maintain theirtransverse position at right angles to the y 4. In a machine of theclass described alcan stacking chamber having a plurality oi' shelvesarranged therein one above the other ior receiving each a row of cans toiorin a 'tier or layer to be ejected therefrom into a case, inclinedsuperposed storage runways for delivering cans to said shelves, gatemechanism for admitting cans from the runways to the can stackingchamber, said storage runways having two sections differing in slope,the section having the greater slope being adjacent the gatemechanismwhereby upon the opening of said gate mechanism the cans onsaid storage runways to form the next tier move quickly into thestaching chamber.

5. In a machine of the mechanism class described packing including a canstacking chamber vhaving a plurality of shelves arranged therein oneabove the other for receiving each a row ai cans to form altier or layerto be ejected thereirom into a-case, means for ejecting the cans,

.inclined superposed storage runways ior delivering cans to saidshelves, and Agate mechanism ior admitting cans from the runways to thecan stacking chamber, said storage runways having a steeply inclinedsection adjacent the gate mechanism of a suiiicient'length to hold acharge oi cans whereby upon the opening oi said gate' said storagerunways' mechanism, the cans on to form the next tiermove quiclrly intothe stacking chamber, storage extension runways connected to saidsteeply inclined runways, and a distributing mechanism for receivingcans from a can feed line and distributing them to said storageextension, the rate of passage of cans through said distributingmechanism being lower than the rate at single carton by the storagecapacity of said storage extension being sufcient to prevent the, rateof packing from being` retarded by the operation of said distributingmechanism.

6. In a machine of the class described a can stacking chamber having aplurality of shelves f arranged therein one above the other forreceiving each a -row of cans to form a 'tier or layer to be ejectedtherefrominto a case, inclined superposed runways for delivering canstosaid shelves, gate mechanism for admitting cans from the runways tothe can stacking chamber, -said cent said gates which is adapted to holda full tier of cans and which is steeply inclined so as to cause thecans thereon to roll into the stacking chamber promptly upon the openingof which cans are packed in a said packing mechanism and runways havinga short section adja`- the gate mechanism, a storage extension having amore gentle slope whose length is atleast equal to that of theA steepsection; and a distributing mechanism 'for receiving cans from a canfeedline and distributing them to said extension.

'7. In a machine stacking chamber having a plurality of shelves arrangedtherein one above the other for receiving eaph a row of cans to form atier or layer, means for ejecting Asaidy cans into a case, inclinedsuperposed runways f or delivering cans to said shelves,.gate"mechanismfor admitting cans from the runways to said shelves, said runways beingsteeply inclined so as-to cause the l cans thereon to bemoved quicklyinto the can stacking chamber upon the opening of said gate mechanism,storage extension runways connected to said steeply inclined runways,and a distributing mechanism forv receiving Vcans from` .a can feed lineincluding movable can-deflecting means movable to diiierentf positionsto distrib'- ute cans passing therethrough to different ones ping theiiow of cans to said distributing mechanism, and mechanism-associatedwithone of said storage extension runways for actuating said cut-ofi" toprevent cans on said runways from' backing up into thedistributingmechanism. i

8.4In a machine of the ,class "described a can stacking chamber having aplurality of verticaily spaced shelves, means for deliveringa row ofcans to each shelf to form a tier or layer for a carton, a funnel-shapedmember disposed adjacent said chamber, means ior supporting a case withits mouth telescoped upon the smaller of the class described a can `ofsaid extension runways, a cut-oil' for stopl end oi 'the tunnel-shapedmember, means ior` electing a tier or layer of cans from the stackingchamber through the funnel-shaped member into.

the case, yielding means arranged within said funnel member i'or holdingthe cans or each horizontal row in contact with'one another, andyielding means forming a part oi' the funnel member ior holdingthesuperposed cans of the several layers in contact withone another' asthey pass through said funnel into the carton.

9. lin a machine oi the class described a can staciring chamber having aplurality oi vertivcally Vspaced shelves, means ior delivering a row oicans to each sheli to form a tier or layer for a carton, a funnel-shapedmember disposed adjacent said chamber, means for supporting' a case with.its mouth tele'scoped1 upon the smaller zof each horizontal row incontact with one another, and yielding means forming apart of the funnelmember for holding the superposed cans .of the several layers in contactwith one anotherv as they pass through said funnel into'the carton. 10.In a machine of the class described a can stacking chamber lhaving 'aplurality of verti-v cally spaced shelves, means for delivering a row ofcans to each shelf toi'orm a tier or layer for a carton, a funnel-shapedmember disposed adjacent said chamber, means for supporting a case withits mouthtelescoped upon the smaller end of'the funnel-shaped member,means for ejecting a tier or-layer oi' can'g from the stacking chamberthrough the funnel-shaped member into the case, a flexible resilienttongue mounted .to engage one end of'each row of cans and co- 'end ofVthe funnel-shaped member, means for operate with the opposite wall ofthe funnelshaped member to maintain the cans of each horizontal row incontact with one another, and yielding means forming a part of saidfunnelshaped member for holding the superposed cans of the severallayers in contact with one another as they pass through the funnel intothe case.

11. In a machine of the class described a can stacking chamber having aplurality of vertically spaced shelves, means for delivering a row ofcans to each shelf to form a tier or layer for a carton, a funnel-shapedmember disposed adjacent said chamber, means for supporting a case withits mouth telescoped upon the smaller `end of the funnel-shaped member,means for ejecting a tier or layer of cans from the stacking chamberthrough the funnel-shaped member into the case, the funnel-shaped memberhaving downwardly yielding ilights therein whereby the cans on the saidshelves are lowered into contact with one another in passing through thefunnel, yielding means arranged within said funnel to engage andmaintain the cans in each of the respective horizontal rows in contactwith one another`- as they moveover said downwardly yielding flights,and yielding means forming a part of said funnel for holding thesuperposed cans of the several layers in contact with one another asthey pass from said flights into the carton.

12. In a machine of the class described a can stacking chamber having aplurality of vertically spaced shelves, means for delivering a row ofcans to each shelf to form a tier or layer for a carton, a funnel-shapedmember disposed adjacent said chamber, means for supporting a case withits mouth telescoped upon the smaller end of the funnel-shaped member,means for ejecting a tier or layer of cans from the stacking chamberthrough the funnel-shaped member into the case, the funnel-shaped memberhaving downwardly yielding flights therein whereby the cans on the saidshelves are lowered into contact with one another in passing through thefunnel, a flexible resilient tongue mounted to engage one end of eachrow of cans and cooperate with the opposite wall of the funnel-shapedmember to maintain the cans' of each horizontal row in contact with oneanother as they move over said downwardly yielding flights, and yieldingmeans forming a part of said funnel-shaped member for holding thesuperposed cans of the several layers in contact with one another as thecans pass from said flights into the carton.

13. In a machine of the class described means for stacking cans in apluralityof rows arranged one above the other, means for shifting saidcans in the direction of their axes, and an operating mechanism for saidmachine adapted to impart a plurality of operations to said shiftingmeans during a single cycle of operation, said operating mechanismcomprising a cam member having a changeable cam surface whereby thenumber of operations of said shifting means during a single cycle ofoperation may be altered, constant speed power means for operating saidmachine, and a change-speed drive for operatively connecting said powermeans and said l cam member for varying the speed of said cam inverselyto the number of operations imparted thereby to the shifting meansduring a single `cycle, so as to maintain constant the number of cansshifted by the shifting means in a given period of time regardless ofthe number of shifting operations occurring during a cycle.

14. In a machine of the class described means for stacking cans in aplurality of rows arranged one above the other, means for shifting saidcans in the direction of their axes, and operating mechanism for saidmachine adapted to operate said shifting means twice and to differentextents during a single cycle of operation, said operating meanscomprising a cam member having a changeable cam surface whereby the0peration of the machine can be altered to operate said shifting meansonly once during a single cycle of operation, constant speed power meansfor operating said machine, and a change-speed drive for operativelyconnecting said power means and said cam member for varying the speed ofsaid cam inversely to the number of operations imparted thereby to theshifting means during a single cycle, so as to maintain constant thenumber of cans shifted by the shifting means in a given period of timeregardless of the number of shifting operations occurring during acycle. f

15 In a machine of the class described a can stacking chamber forstacking cans in a plurality of rows arranged one above the other, canstorage runways arranged to supply cans to the respective rows of saidstacking chamber, gate mechanism for admitting cans from the runwaysinto the stackingchamber, means for shifting the cans in the stackingchamber in the direction of their axes, and operating mechanism for saidmachine adapted to impart a plurality of operations to said shiftingmeans and gate mechanism during a single cycle of operation of themachine, said /operating mechanism comprising a cam member havingformations thereon for operating said shifting means and said gatemechanism, said cam formations being changeable whereby the number ofoperations of said shifting means and of said gate mechanism during asingle cycle of operation may be altered, constant speed powerfmeans foroperating said machine, and a change-speed drive for operativelyconnecting said power means and said cam member for varying the speed ofsaid cam inversely to the number of operations imparted thereby to theshifting means during a single cycle, so as to maintain constant thenumber of cans shifted by the shifting means in a given period of timeregardless of the number of shifting operations occurring during acycle.

16. In a machine of the class described, a canstacking chamber in whichcans are stacked in a plurality of superimposed rows, reciprocatingmeans for ejecting said rows of cans from the can-stacking chamber inthe direction of their axes, and operating mechanism for said ejectingmeans including a cam having a portion of its surface shaped to impart astroke of fixed length to the reciprocating ejecting means, anotherportion of said cam surface being changeable to a contour such that astroke of different length may be imparted to said ejecting mechanism.

17. In a machine of the class described, a can stacking chamber having aplurality of shelves arranged therein one above the other for receivingeach a row of cans to form a tier or layer, means for electing said cansinto a case, inclined superposed runways for delivering cans to saidshelves, gate mechanism for admitting cans from the runways to saidshelves, and a distributing mechanism for receiving cans from a can feedline including movable can-deliecting means movable to differentpositions to distrib- 75.

